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Pavi Fort Doles Out Le2Billion to 16 Districts to Combat COVID-19

By Amin Kef Sesay

“I am not trying to show-off as some may want to think but rather as a patriot who is dedicated to serve my country I decided to respond to a national call in the face of a global pandemic in order to complement the commendable strides that the Government, led by President Julius Maada Bio, is taking to combat  the spread of COVID-19 in our beloved country,” these were the exact words of the Chief Executive Officer  of Pavi Fort Road Construction Company-Sierra Leone, Alimou Barrie during a snap interview with The Calabash Newspaper.

This snap interview came in the wake of the just concluded donations of cash, personal protective equipment and bags of rice to all the sixteen provinces within Sierra Leone by Pavi Fort-SL, led by its CEO Alimou Barrie. According to what Alimou Barrie intimated this medium he spent the sum of two billion Leones to undertake the donations in all the sixteen districts in the country.

The exercise started in Freetown on the 27th May 2020 when the CEO of Pavi Fort and his team donated the sum of fifty million Leones (Le50, 000,000) and PPEs including 5,000 face masks, 100 gallons of hand sanitizer (1 gallon) worth a total of Le. 120,000,000 to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The handing over ceremony took place at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) situated within the SLFA compound in Kingtom, Freetown.

In Koinadugu and Falaba Districts, on the 30th May 2020, Pavi Fort Construction Company donated forty million Leones (Le40M), five thousand Face masks, fifty gallons of hand sanitizers to the Koinadugu and Falaba District Emergency Operations Centers and ten million Leones for both the Paramount Chiefs of both districts at a ceremony held at the Koinadugu District Youth Council Hall in Kabala.

The leading indigenous company Pavi Fort –Sierra Leone on Friday 5th June 2020 donated a huge consignment of hand sanitizers, five thousand clinical face masks, 50bags of rice and a cheque of ten million Leones (Le10, 000,000) to the District Emergency Operation Centre (DICOVERC) in Bonthe District.

The company on the 6th,7th and 8th June 2020, Pavi Fort –Sierra Leone donated cash ,bags of rice and Personal Protective Equipments worth millions of Leones to the Kailahun, Kenema, Kono and Makeni Districts COVID-19 Emergency Response Centres (DICOVERCs) in order to scale up the fight against the spread of the coronavirus in the aforementioned districts.

In Kailahun District they handed over 70 bags of rice, 10 million Leones, 4,000 litre of sanitizer and 3,000 facial meant for the residents of the district.

When they reached Kenema District the team donated a 10 Million Leones cheque, 30 gallons of sanitizer,4,000 pieces of face masks, 100 bags of butter rice were donated to the DICOVERC and 20 bags of rice to the local chiefs.

The Pavi Fort team, headed by CEO Alimou Barrie, then proceeded to do another donation in Kono District where they handed over a Forty Million Leones (Le40M) cheque, 150 bags of rice and Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) to the Kono District COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (DICOVERC) in Koidu Town on the 7th June 2020 geared towards the containment of the spread of the coronavirus in Kono.

The leading indigenous road construction company in the country, Pavi Fort Construction Company on the 8th June 2020, led by its dynamic and charismatic Chief Executive Officer, Alimou Barrie, landed in Bombali District, Northern Sierra Leone where they handed over a Twenty Million Leones (Le20,000,000) Cheque, 50 bags of rice,20 gallons of sanitizer and 3,500 face masks to the District COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (DICOVERC) in Makeni meant for scaling up the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in that part of the country. An additional ten million Leones (Le10, 000,000) and 20 bags of rice were also handed over to the local authorities in order to facilitate their movements, coordination and activities in containing the spread of the deadly virus.

From Makeni, the team headed North to Karene District on the 13th June 2020, where Alimou Barrie presented a cheque of Twenty Million Leones (Le20, 000,000), 80 bags of rice, 30 gallons of sanitizer and 5,000 face masks to the District COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (DICOVERC) at Gbintie Town in Karene District. He clarified that the donation including cash, medical items and 80 bags of rice (50 kgs) worth 110 million Leones were meant to facilitate the fight against the corona virus within their respective chiefdoms in the district.

Before proceeding to Kambia and Tonkolili  the Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort, Alimou Barrie on Sunday 14th June 2020 provided support to the Port Loko DICORVERC with a 20 million Leones cheque, 120 bags of rice, 40 gallons of hand sanitizers, 5, 500 face masks, 7.5 million Leones cash, all totalling 120 million Leones.

Also, as part of his goodwill gesture to the people of Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom, Lungi, CEO Barrie, handed over a 10 million Leones cheque,  2.5 million Leones cash, 50 bags of rice, 2,000 face masks worth 70 million Leones  as social mobilization support to contain the spread of the disease in that part of the country.

On Sunday 21st June 2020, the charismatic, result-oriented Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Road Construction Company, Alimou Barrie and team were in Kambia and Tonkolili Districts.

In Kambia District, the short but impressive donation ceremony took place at the DICOVERC Office situated at the Kambia District Hospital.

The Pavi Fort CEO and team handed over a cheque of 20 million Leones, medical items including 2,500 face masks, 100 bags of rice and 25 gallons of hand sanitizers totalling 100 million Leones.

Chief Executive Officer, Pavi Fort- Sierra Leone, Alimou Barrie said out of the total amount donated the 10 million Leones cheque, 70 bags of rice, 25 gallons of hand sanitizers and 2, 500 face masks were meant for the Kambia DICORVERC to break the chain of transmission of the virus. He furthered that the 10 chiefdoms in the district will also benefit out of the balance 10 million Leones cheque and 30 bags of rice to fight the disease by stakeholders in the respective communities in that part of the country.

In Tonkolili District, Pavi Fort donated a 20 million Leones cheque, medical items including 25 gallons of hand sanitizer, 100 bags of rice and 2.500 face masks totalling 100 million Leones.

“In the area of enhancing social mobilization of traditional authorities within the district the company is also offering a 10 million Leones cheque and 30 bags of rice to the authorities in order to combat the disease in the district,” Alimou Barrie stated.

The CEO and team landed in Moyamba District on Monday the 22nd June 2020 where they donated a 10 million Leones Cheque, 100 bags of rice, 20 gallons of hand sanitizers, 5 million Leones to the traditional authorities in the district and 2,000 pieces of face masks, all totaling 80 million Leones.

On the 23rd June 2020 in Bo District, Pavi Fort donated 120 bags of rice, 40 gallons of hand sanitizer, a 10 million Leones cheque, 5 million Leones cash, and 3,000 N95 face mask, totaling 120 million Leones.

When the team led by its dynamic CEO, Alimou Barrie, was finally in Pujehun District, which was the last destination, on the 23rd June 2020, they donated a huge consignment comprising 20 gallons of hand sanitizer, two thousand (2,000,000) pieces of N95 face masks, 100 bags of rice and a cheque of ten million Leones (Le10, 000,000) and five million Leones cash (Le5, 000, 000) to the District COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (DICOVERC) in Pujehun District.

In all the districts that the donations were made the District DICOVERC officials, who received them on behalf of Government as well as the local authorities showered profuse praises on the Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Road Construction Company –SL, Alimou Barrie, for what they unanimously described as his patriotic gestures.

The CEO of Pavi Fort, Alimou Barrie, still talking to this medium, noted that he is not a wealthy man but rather saw it compelling to serve humanity diligently expressing hope that , when we continue to right things, very soon we would see COVID-19 as a thing of the past so that the Government will pay more attention to development programmes and individuals resume their work itinerary.

“We all need to abide by all preventive measures so that we avoid contracting the virus,” he admonished.

Most of those whom this medium talked with to sound their views on this latest move by Pavi Fort Road Construction Company profusely commended the CEO saying this country needs individuals like CEO Alimou Barrie if rapid development should transpire. “I am really impressed by the selflessness of the CEO. It’s really mind touching.  To be very frank there are others who are capable of doing same but out of selfishness, greed and fear of not wanting to be exposed are refusing to do so. I doff my hat to this great Sierra Leonean,” a foreign diplomat confided in this medium.

As the Clock Ticks… NP-SL Ltd Continues to Become Very Endearing to Many  

By Amin Kef Sesay

As the saying goes “the taste of the pudding lies in the eating”. In other words, one cannot judge whether something is worth going for until someone practically knows its worthiness. Putting this wise saying into the context of the petroleum business landscape in this country, it will be like this: one cannot know the efficacy of any company that is engaged in the marketing of petroleum products unless one tries to transact business with companies that market these products.

From various surveys that this medium has so far conducted over the years, what came up frequently was that many Sierra Leoneans and other nationals are indeed very much attached to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) simply because the company always tries to give them utmost satisfaction through effective customer care platforms.

To start with, individuals are first attracted by the company’s state of the art Filling Stations, perfectly built and painted in green and yellow colours, many of them spacious to accommodate large fleet of vehicles, having mini marts where basic items could be bought and in some instances, small sections to mend tires, there is much to satisfy customers’ needs. Besides, the pump attendants are always dressed in uniforms with the company’s official yellow and green colors, creating a serene atmosphere around these Filling Stations.

Now within the Filling Stations one can discover modern calibrated pumping machines which are automated and whenever fuel is discharged these machines display the prices and quantity in litres. These pumping machines are far more efficient than those that used to exist in the past as they are very much transparent, something which buyers cherish a lot. As a matter of fact, seeing what one is paying for brings extreme satisfaction especially when one has the feeling that one is getting back exactly what one is paying for.

When an individual is mindful of the fact that, he or she, is being cared for like how a mother cares for her child then the individual feels great. NP-SL Ltd is like a Mother to all its numerous customers in the country.  It is in that region that the company sees it as a matter of importance to always remind individuals about certain precautionary measures to be adhered to for safety purpose and these include not sparking any naked flame, to switch off phones at Filling Stations, to turn off vehicle engines whilst purchasing fuel among others. Fire extinguishers are always handy at these Filling Stations. Taking into cognizance the fact that the petroleum products that the company deals in, petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants, are highly inflammable then it is very much important that a caring company must always endeavor to enhance precautionary measures.

NP Gas is a cooker that has been proven to have a high precision performance. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes NP Gas has been rated to be environmentally friendly as it does not cause any gaseous negative effects on users. It can be easily refilled with gas that maybe be secured at any of the company’s Filling Station at reasonable prices and they have now become very trending as many people are going for it.

With NP Smart Card customers can purchase fuel with ease. Replacing chits, holders of NP Smart Card, including institutions and individuals can credit their cards with money. With unique codes, it gives the holders security. The card is presented at any NP Filling Station, with the holder stating the quantity that he or she wants to be pumped into a vehicle. This is shortly communicated to the pump attendants who will then pump the stipulated quantity of fuel. It has been attested by many that they find it quite convenient using the Smart card to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel.

NP-SL is commended for strictly implementing the laid down policy of giving preference to offering job opportunities to Sierra Leoneans instead of thinking of bringing in foreign expatriates. This policy is really in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy. The good thing about this policy is that it had and still continues to help in the area of poverty reduction. Lives have been improved as a result of the strict application of this policy.

When it comes to the execution of its Corporate Social Responsibility the company has been steadily rolling it out. The company was highly commended for joining the fight against COVID-19 by donating the sum of One Billion Leones to the National COVID-19 Response Centre in Freetown which was meant to be utilized by Government in its strides to subdue the new enemy in our midst.

NP-SL Ltd helped the National Fire Force (NFF), Kissy Branch, when in the not too distant past it facilitated the construction of a water facility from which water could be sourced to be used in extinguishing fire incidences within Greater Freetown. Considering the fact that water could be very difficult to access in the East End of Freetown the intervention of the company to salvage firefighters from the hassle of fetching water was widely commended. As a matter of fact it was not the first time that the company has come to the aid of the NFF.

The passion of the Shareholders of the company and its various Management teams to succeed and expand is truly evident in the opening of branches within the West African sub-region in countries like Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. All these branches are vibrantly functioning and providing qualitative services to its numerous customers.

In all the countries where the company is operating it is paying huge taxes to the Governments. These taxes paid form part of the revenue bases of those countries and are used to finance certain development projects that are expected to positively impinge on the lives of the vast majority of the populace.

From the foregoing, it is very certain that NP-SL Ltd, based on the various services it is offering its numerous customers, is becoming very endearing to many as the clock ticks. Indisputably, the company has won the minds and likes of many and more and more individuals are becoming attracted.

NATCOM Undertakes Institutional Realignment

Director-General of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel B. Kaitibi

By Amin Kef Sesay

Recently, this medium reliably learnt that the leadership of the National Telecommunications Commission- (NATCOM) has implemented an organizational realignment of the institution.

It was made clear that the realignment is in line with transforming the way work processes are conducted in order to derive improvements from members of staff on how they deliver on the mandate of the institution.

Board and Management of the institution arrived at such a decision to reform, re-engineer and recalibrate NATCOM for effective service delivery.

According to an official of the institution, it did not come as any surprise to see the implementation of the realignment policy at NATCOM. “It should be noted that in the performance of its functions, the Commission has never been subject to the direction or control of any person or authority,” he furthered.

It must also be noted that The Calabash was reliably informed that since he was appointed as Director-General of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel B. Kaitibi’s mission has been to lead the telecoms regulatory body with a realignment policy in line with its mandate in order for players in the sector to efficiently carry out their work in a transparent manner.

It was also revealed that in just three months in office, Kaitibi’s administration at NATCOM has improved the telecoms industry especially with regards qualitative service delivery to consumers. His initiatives and those of others have transformed the way and manner GSM operators conduct themselves. What is said to be certain is that these GSM Companies have already expressed satisfaction with the administration which they unanimously now say ensures fair play at NATCOM.

The impact has contributed to significant numbers of communication awareness and development of the sector everywhere.

Under this new administration, access to broadband communications across the country has been improved in most rural areas as well as connectivity.

Some of these achievements were scored because the Board, whose mandate is to ensure that the Management delivers placed greater premium on realignment as a top priority. The end result has been the empowerment of Management with technical expertise to deliver under the New Direction Government.

This medium also learnt that NATCOM undertook the institutional realignment or reform in order for Management to be well positioned to roll out effective services.

From the aforementioned it could be easily deduced that the recent relieving of some members of staff may not be connected with the allegations of discrimination, hate etc but rather a normal routine process in any administration.

According to the NATCOM Act, the Director-General is responsible for the implementation of a wide range of measures at NATCOM including supervising staff performances and evaluating them.

The Act also makes provision for the DG, who is also the Executive Secretary to the Board and responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Commission to supervise other employees and to determine their performances.

Meanwhile, some have interpreted the recent relieving of some members of staff as motivated by personal ego, petty rivalry and hate, allegations that have been confirmed to be baseless. Employees appointed by the Commission are always evaluated quarterly, during mid-year and annually on their terms and conditions and this was required by the Commission to efficiently monitor how they discharge their functions.

The new NATCOM Management is blameless in that direction and the institution has moved on and will continue to do so.

As He Clocks 1 Year In Office… Minister of Mines Introduces Significant Reforms

Hon. Foday Rado Yokie

By Mohamed Sheriff

Sierra Leone is endowed with huge mineral deposits. According to report, the mining sector contributes about 24% to GDP and over 80% export earnings. However, it contributes well below its potential, on average of 15% of total revenue. Corruption in the mining industry was institutionalized creating such a negative effect.

For prudent management of the country’s mineral resources , President  Julius Maada Bio in June last year, appointed Hon. Foday Rado Yokie,  to support the transformational drive with his knowledge in the mining sector, which many people considered uncontestable at local and international arena to change the narratives.

Upon assuming office in July 1st last year, from Dr. Morie  Manyeh, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources ,Hon. Foday Rado Yokie, commits to implement President Bio’s New Direction People’s Manifesto in 2018  “ Improving the Management of Mineral Resources” in the country.

Giving an overview about his achievements for the past one year, the Minister thanked the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for the trust and confidence he has imposed in him to improve on the Management of the country’s Mineral Resources.

He expressed satisfaction with the strides taken so far to continue with reforms in the sector that will attract much-needed investments to protect and properly manage the country’s natural resources.

He pointed out that when he was a Member of Parliament he condoned most of the bad negations relating to the ratifications, agreements or contracts between the Government and the Mining Companies, noting that most of them were not in the best interest of the country.

He said immediately when he took over he instituted radical approaches to savage the silo situation to enhance accountability and transparency for effective operations of the Ministry and the National Minerals Agency (NMA).

Upon assuming office the licenses of two mining companies were cancelled, Shandon and SL Mining for not adhering to the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009.

“In collaboration with the National Minerals Agency (NMA), we have reviewed standard operating procedures and agreements between mineral rights holders and local communities. The Ministry is reviewing the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009. The new Act will make strong provision for community benefits, Artisanal Mining Area development scheme, value addition and other linkages to the mining sector,” he disclosed.

The Minister maintained that, Cabinet has asked the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to draft a bill to review the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 and the Ministry with its partners have done a national consultation with stakeholders in the mining sector to validate the draft document nationwide.

The draft bill, the Minister said, is expected to be finalized by the AG’s office within the next one week for Cabinet final validation before taken to Parliament for enactment.

The new Act, according to the Minister, will generate more revenue for the Government and change the lives of people especially those who are within the mining communities.

The Mines Minister further pointed out that currently, about six mining companies are in operation in the country and more are in the pipeline with over one hundred applicants awaiting for final approvals.

He thanked President Bio for his initiative to undertake the first ever geophysical survey that will provide the position of strength for Government to negotiate with multilateral companies regarding investments in the mining sector, pointing out that 50% of the survey data is now interpreted.

He said more investors in the mining sector around the world are poised to come to invest in Serra Leone. He however, called on all stakeholders and citizens to support the Government’s response efforts to end the coronavirus in the country, to reopen the mining sector in order to boost the country’s economy.

The Mines Minister assured the President and the citizens of Sierra Leone of the Ministry’s unflinching support to enhance reforms in the mining sector at all times.

 

US Embassy Donates 30,000 Face Masks to RSLAF

By Amin Kef Sesay

The United States Ambassador, Maria Brewer, on June 17, 2020, met with the Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Defense, Colonel (Retired) Muana Brima Massaquoi and other senior-level officers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to deliver 30,000 locally procured cloth face covers.

With funding from U.S. Africa Command, the U.S. Department of Defense locally procured more than 75,000 meters of fabric for the RSLAF Tailors to produce 30,000 face covers.  This delivery ensures that over 8,000 RSLAF soldiers and Ministry of Defense (MoD) civilians will each be issued three covers for use in combating the deadly COVID-19 global pandemic.

In addition to the RSLAF and MoD, every member of the 144 joint border patrols will each be issued three face covers to aid in their deployment to the border regions. The remaining covers were provided to the Emergency Operation Center to distribute, as necessary.

As part of an effort to boost the local economy, the United States Department of Defense teamed up with the RSLAF’s Tailoring Division to provide these face covers utilizing local materials.  In her remarks, Ambassador Brewer stated, “I hope we can continue to find projects to provide assistance while helping the local economy as much as possible.”  The United States Embassy is proud to work together with the Government of Sierra Leone in the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic and to provide aid to local commerce in a time of need.

Ex-President Koroma, Former Ministers & Other Political Appointees Receive Final Benefits

Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Reports reaching this medium indicate that the President Bio’s led New Direction Government has fully paid the outstanding End of Service Benefits to former President Ernest Bai Koroma and political appointees of the opposition APC party.

Many political commentators have described this move by the Government as a good political gesture even thou it is the entitlement of the past officials.

To them, making these payments at this time when the country is grappling with the Corona Virus and stabilizing the economy that was battered by the former administration is something commendable.

On Monday 29th June 2020, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Finance announced the payment of  Le 31,463,583,085 to Former President, Vice President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and other Political appointees as the outstanding end of service benefits.

It could be recalled that in 2019, the Government of Sierra Leone paid Le 38,708,975,799 to the said officials as first installment payment of their severance benefits, gratuities, and arrears of pensions that were not paid by the previous administration.

Additionally, the sum of Le 4,750,797,375 has also been paid to former Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the current administration as their final End of Service Benefits.

Chinese Embassy Awards 110 Deserving Students Scholarships & Grants Worth Le 380 Million

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In the bid to encourage students that have exhibited outstanding academic performances and positive attitudes toward promoting China – Sierra Leone Friendship in the country, the Chinese Embassy through the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E Amb Hu Zhangliang under the 2020 Chinese Ambassador Scholarships has on Tuesday 30th June, 2020 awarded scholarships to 20 University Students of the value of Le 10,000,000 Million each and Grants to 90 Pupils with the sum of Le 2,000,000 Million all amounting to 110 deserving benefitting and 380 Million Leones expended. The award ceremony took place at the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy at OAU Village on Hill Station in Freetown.

Delivering a statement during the occasion, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone H.E Amb Hu Zhangliang, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education for promoting the cooperation in education between the two countries. He also extended his heartfelt congratulations to all the students who benefited from the 2020 Chinese Ambassador Scholarship.

He said China and Sierra Leone are genuine friends and reliable partners, furthering that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 49 years ago, the two countries have gone a long way in conducting practical cooperation in infrastructure, construction, agriculture, fishery, public health, education and human resource development.

The Ambassador lamented that this year is one that is full of challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging the world including China and Sierra Leone, adding that is also a year of witnessing the even stronger cooperation and closer relations between the two countries as both stand firmly with each other in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amb Hu Zhangliang noted that during this trying time, the Chinese Government, people and army have so far delivered seven rounds of much-needed medical supplies to Sierra Leone and that the three Chinese medical expert teams in Sierra Leone have been working side by side and around the clock with their Sierra Leonean counterparts in detecting, diagnosing and treating the cases.

“COVID-19 pandemic has triggered one of the most severe global economic recession in nearly a century. At this critical moment, it is all the more important to promote human capital development.
Over the years, China has been helping Sierra Leone in its educational development and human capacity building on a large scale,” he disclosed.

He further noted that last year, around 600 Sierra Leonean friends were invited to China for short-term training courses sponsored by the Chinese Government, and about 120 Sierra Leonean students were admitted by prominent Chinese universities under the Chinese Government Scholarship Program.

The Ambassador pointed out that the Chinese Government has invited more than 5,100 Sierra Leonean friends to China for short-term training courses and sponsored more than 820 Sierra Leonean students with Chinese Government Scholarships to study in China.

He said that the Chinese Ambassador Scholarships were set up to encourage students with outstanding academic performances and positive attitudes towards promoting China – Sierra Leone friendship and that the Embassy is awarding grants to a total of 90 pupils, including 20 students who were awarded scholarships, furthering that these 20 scholarship recipients were all recommended by colleges and universities across the country, to which the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and especially the Honorable Minister, Professor Gbakima offered valuable support and guidance.

On his part, Minister of Technical and Higher Education Prof. Aiah Gbakima said the relationship between Sierra Leone and China  has long been established since the 70s adding how the friendship has proven great beyond expectations, noting that the relationship has expanded from medical, military, socio-economic and above all, education beyond borders.

He stated that the Government and the People of Sierra Leone graciously acknowledge their presence and their unflinching supports to the country especially in addressing the gaps within the Human Capacity Development and that within the lastyears, over a thousand Sierra Leoneans have benefited from Chinese education both at home and abroad.
“Today, we are here again to award 20 scholarships to deserving students representing various Colleges and Universities and of various disciplines. It is with great honour and pleasure to see our dynamic young people achieve their learning aspirations, which is the
Government’s priority and supported by the Chinese Government through its diplomatic corps, Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone, H. E. Hu Zhangliang” he disclosed.

Prof. Aiah Gbakima encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of this in order to achieve their desired goals and contribute immensely to the country, be innovative and be courageous stating that education is not an easy task therefore, and urged them to brace up to make the change that the country and the whole world require.

On behalf of the Government and the People of Sierra Leone, he expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador and the People of China for supporting the country at a time of need.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Chernor Mohamed Kamara, a Law Student of the University of Makeni expressed appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for awarding them these scholarships. He assured them that they will make judicious use of the opportunity in order to achieve their desired goals and contribute immensely to the country and help strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

In another development the Embassy also handed over grants of Le2,000,000 each to 90 pupils from various primary and secondary schools across the country. Whiling addressing the gathering the Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E Amb Hu Zhangliang, said that this year marks the 49th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone and that over the past 49 years, the two countries have achieved fruitful cooperation results in various fields including education.
As a genuine friend and reliable partner, China has consistently supported Sierra Leone in its educational development and human capacity building.

He noted that the recipients were recommended by the Fourah Bay College Junior Secondary School and Sierra Leone – China friendship organizations.

“I hope these grants will help you in addressing some of the challenges you are faced with in your schooling. This is a way of supporting the Free Quality Education program initiated by H.E. President Julius Maada Bio,” he expressed optimism.

He disclosed that in compliance with the preventive measures to avoid large gatherings during the pandemic, they only invited 10 representatives of the grant recipients to attend the event but said he will make sure that the balance 80 students will receive the grants in a very short time.

Amnesty International Condemns Rape & Death of Five Year Old Girl

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Marta Colomer, Amnesty International Acting Deputy Regional Director for West and Central Africa in reaction to the recent protest that erupted in the country in the wake of the rape and death of a five year old daughter said:

“The outpouring of rage following this horrific crime shows that people in Sierra Leona have had enough of impunity for perpetrators of sexual abuse of children and gender-based violence. All too often, survivors of sexual violence struggle to access justice, health care, legal aid and counselling.

The authorities in Sierra Leone must bring those responsible for the rape and murder of this little girl to justice in fair trials and send a clear message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.  “The authorities in Sierra Leone must bring those responsible for the rape and murder of this little girl to justice in fair trials and send a clear message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated.

“The Government must also commit to longer-term reform of the justice system, as well as sustainable funding for children and women’s rights organisations, with a view to eradicating violence and abuse, and addressing harmful gender stereotypes and myths around sexual violence.”

It could be recalled that there was an outpouring of outrage and consternation on social media and in the streets in Sierra Leone, following reports of the death of the five-year-old girl named Kadija. According to an autopsy, Kadija died as a result of complications from injuries sustained when she was raped.

Her family disclosed her name and provided photos and confirmed that she died on 17 June 2020. The Police Criminal Investigation department said two people are in custody.

Sexual violence against women and girls is widespread in Sierra Leone. According to the Rainbo Initiative, there were 3,137 and 3,695 cases of sexual violence in 2018 and 2019 respectively. On 19 February 2019, President Bio declared “a State of Public Emergency over rape and sexual violence”. The announcement came amid growing outrage following a series of cases involving minors. On 19 June 2019, the Parliament revoked the measure.

On 19 September, the Parliament finally passed the Sexual Offences Amendment Act. This new legislation provides that all trials for sexual offence cases will proceed to the High Court without having to be heard in a Magistrate’s Court to determine the sufficiency of evidence. The law also prescribes life imprisonment as a maximum penalty for perpetrators of rape of a child.

VP Juldeh Jalloh Commissions Russel School Library

Vice President Juldeh Jalloh

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Vice President Juldeh Jalloh on Friday 26th June, 2020 commissioned the newly constructed library for the Rural Education Committee Primary School in Russel Town along the Waterloo-Tombo Road. Vice President Jalloh, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, expressed thanks and appreciation to Rotary Club for supporting communities to improve learning outcomes by providing furniture and library for the school. Dr. Jalloh underscored the relevance of education, adding that the New Direction Government has education as its flagship programme. “Government is providing free teaching and learning materials,” Dr. Jalloh underscored.

The soft spoken Vice President stated that one key element missing in most schools in the last two years is library. He described the reintroduction of the culture of library to schools as a good gesture. Dr. Jalloh appealed to Rotary Club to build more libraries beyond Russel community in order to restore the culture of reading.

The library, the Vice President maintained, is meant for reading and not sleeping. He therefore encouraged the teachers and the community leaders to motivate their children to better maximize the utilization of the teaching and learning materials with the opening of the library. The Vice President noted that the learning outcome of the school will now be measured by the library. “The school should now improve on the learning outcome, by passing excellently in the National Primary School Examination (NPSE), now that there is a library,” Vice President Jalloh added.

He called on school authorities to ensure pupils perform excellently in NPSEif they want to continue getting more supports from Rotary Club, Government of Sierra Leone and other donors. He concluded by donating one computer to the school meant to track all books in the library.

Abraham Cole-Deputy, Head Teacher of the school informed the gathering that the school was established in 1913. He thanked Rotary Club for the construction of the library. Mr. Cole described a library as the backbone of teaching and learning and appealed for the proper use of the library. He referred to Rotary Club as a wonderful partner of the school also expressing thanks for support in the provision of furniture and the library.

Michaela Khadijatu Serry-President Rotary Club of Freetown Sunset disclosed that the cost for the construction of the library was three hundred million Leones and was generated from contributions of members. She maintained that her decision to initiate the construction of the library was due to the dwindling interest of children in reading. The Freetown Sunset President expressed hope for the children to now inculcate the habit of reading. The ceremony was climaxed with the cutting of the tape and formal opening of the library by the Honourable Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

Chief Justice Swears-in 3 Court of Appeal Judges

(l-r) Justice Stevens, Chief Justice, Justice Aladi and Justice Kamanda

By Elkass Sannoh

Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has on Friday 26th June, 2020 sworn-in Justices Alhaji Mohamed Momoja-Stevens, Fatmata Bintu Aladi and Komba Kamanda as Court of Appeal Judges after being appointed by President Julius Maada Bio.

During the ceremony at the Chief Justice’s Chambers conference room, the newly appointed Judges were described as hardworking and committed to their work even during difficulties. The Chief Justice called on them to be more focused as they are not strangers in the Judiciary.

After administering the oath, His Lordship Justice Edwards said, “you have been promoted but it is an onerous task so let me now congratulate you.” He added that, “we want people that can improve the system in terms of quality service delivery.”

He said if the newly appointed Judges were not hardworking and up to the task, they would not have been promoted. He therefore assured the public that they will deliver justice impartially and independently whilst discharging their duties.

Justice Fatmata Bintu Aladi is a Barrister at Law of the Middle Temple in England and Wales. She was called to the Sierra Leone Bar in 2003 and started her practiced at the Chambers of the Wright and Co. In her quest of pursuing higher and quality education, she gained admission at the University of Liverpool in England where she graduated with LLM in International Finance and Banking Law.

Justice Alhadi was a former Vice President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, and Vice President of Legal Access Through Women Yearning for Equality, Rights and Social Justice-LAWYERS.

She was appointed as High Court Judge 2015 and sat on many matters including Mining and trade contracts.

Justice Alhaji Mohamed Momoja Stevens attended the St. Edwards Secondary School in Freetown and later enrolled to study Law at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He graduated with Honours in 2003 and continued at the Sierra Leone Law School where he graduated with a BL in 2004.

A year later, Justice Stevens was appointed as a Magistrate. After his diligent service for eleven years, he was then appointed as High Court Judge in December, 2015. As a Judge, he presided on cases in almost all Districts apart from Port Loko and Kambia. He had served as Judge Advocate for the Court Martial at Cockrill in January, 2019.

Justice Komba Kamanda started his early education at the Holy Trinity Secondary School in Kenema and the Government Secondary School in Bo, the Bo School before enrolling to study Law at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He graduated in 2003 with an LLB Honours. He was called to the Bar in October, 2004 shortly after his BL at the Sierra Leone Law School.

Apart from the many certificates in recognition of his meritorious achievements, he has got both national and international trainings even before his appointment as a High Court Judge. After his appointment as a High Court Judge in 2016, his desire for more international qualifications compelled him to pursue his LLM in International Commercial Law at Salford University in UK.

Commending the newly appointed Justices, Supreme Court Judge-Justice Alusine Sesay said they are not strangers in the Court of Appeal. He said much is expected of them as the Chief Justice never doubted them which was why he reposed confidence in them to be appointed.

They all expressed similar sentiments and thanked the President, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for the appointment. They also commended the Chief Justice for according them the opportunity to serve the Judiciary in this esteemed capacity.

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